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Can a Child Passport Be Renewed? What Parents Need to Know

Many parents search online asking, “Can a child passport be renewed?” The answer is clear—but often misunderstood.

U.S. passports issued to children under age 16 cannot be renewed.
Instead, parents must submit a new passport application in person each time.

Can a Child Passport Be Renewed? (Short Answer)

No. A child passport cannot be renewed by mail or online.

According to the U.S. Department of State, all children under age 16 must apply in person using a new application, even if they previously held a passport.

Child Passport Renewal vs New Application

Although people commonly say “child passport renewal,” the process is legally treated as a new application every time.

Category	Child Passport (Under 16)	Adult Passport
Can renew by mail	No	Yes (if eligible)
Application form	DS-11	DS-82
In-person required	Yes	Usually no
Parent consent required	Yes	No
Validity period	5 years	10 years

This distinction is important when planning travel.

When Does a Child Passport Expire?

A child passport expires 5 years from the date of issue.

Because children grow quickly and family circumstances change, the U.S. government requires a fresh in-person review for each new passport issued to a minor.

How to Renew a Child Passport Under 16 (Step-by-Step)

Although it’s called a renewal, the steps are the same as a first-time application.

Step 1: Complete the DS-11 Form

You must use the DS-11 form for child passport renewal.
Do not sign it until instructed by the acceptance agent.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

What Documents Are Needed to Renew a Child Passport?

You’ll need:

The child’s expired or expiring passport
Proof of U.S. citizenship (previous passport usually sufficient)
Proof of parental relationship
Parental photo IDs
Passport photo
Payment for fees

Step 3: Provide Proof of Parental Consent

One of the most common questions is:

Do both parents need to be present for child passport renewal?

Yes—usually.

Both parents or legal guardians must appear in person or provide valid consent documentation.

Child Passport Renewal Without One Parent

If one parent cannot attend, you must submit proof of parental consent for child passport using the:

Child Passport Renewal Consent Form (DS-3053)

The DS-3053:

Must be notarized
Must include a copy of the absent parent’s ID
Is valid for 90 days

This form allows a child passport application to proceed when one parent is unavailable.

Exceptions (No DS-3053 Required)

You may apply without the other parent if you provide:

Sole legal custody documents
A court order
A death certificate

Can Grandparents Apply for a Child Passport?

Not by default.

Grandparents cannot apply unless they have:

Legal guardianship or
Written authorization plus required consent documentation

In most cases, at least one parent must still be involved in the application process.

Where Do You Apply for a Child Passport?

Child passport applications must be submitted in person at an authorized location.

Applications are accepted at facilities authorized by the U.S. Department of State, including:

United States Postal Service locations
County clerk offices
Libraries
Local government buildings

These are known as passport acceptance facilities.

Can You Expedite a Child Passport Application?

Yes. While you can’t renew a child passport, you can expedite the new application by:

Paying the expedited fee
Using express mailing
Applying early if travel is soon

For urgent travel (within 14 days), a passport agency appointment may be required.

Frequently Asked Questions